Coconut cake

Coconut Cake - a sweet and aromatic delight, perfect for any occasion, especially during fasting days! This simple and quick recipe is ideal for those who want to enjoy a delicious dessert without using animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, the coconut adds a tropical touch that will transport you to sunny beaches and relaxing days.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: approximately 45 minutes
Number of servings: 16

The history of coconut cake is fascinating. Over time, coconut desserts have been appreciated for their slightly crunchy texture and unmistakable aroma. This cake is a reinterpretation of traditional recipes, bringing a touch of modernity and accessibility. Whether you serve it at a party or at a family meal, it is sure to be appreciated by everyone.

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 12 tablespoons sugar
- 12 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or coconut oil)
- 12 tablespoons sparkling water
- 18 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 3 bottles of vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the glaze:
- 6 tablespoons cocoa
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 6 tablespoons sugar (brown or regular)
- 100g unsalted nuts (for decoration)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the coconut is finely grated and the flour is sifted to avoid lumps in the mixture. You can use whole wheat flour for a richer and healthier taste.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sugar, oil, sparkling water, and vanilla essence. Mix well with a whisk or spatula until the sugar is completely dissolved and you get a homogeneous mixture.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and grated coconut. Add this mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix everything well, but do not overdo it. It is important to achieve a uniform mixture, but do not mix too much to avoid it becoming dense.

4. Preparing the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring it is well secured to the bottom of the tray to avoid sticking.

5. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface with a spatula. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to leave the cake in the oven too long, as it may dry out.

6. Preparing the glaze: While the cake is baking, you can prepare the glaze. In a small pot, combine cocoa, oil, water, and sugar. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

7. Glazing the cake: After the cake has cooled slightly, pour the cocoa glaze over it and level with a spatula. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle crushed unsalted nuts on top of the glaze. This detail will add a crunchy note and a delicious taste.

8. Serving the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it. You can serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce for a delicious contrast. It is also perfect alongside a cup of coffee or aromatic tea.

Practical tips:

- Variations: You can experiment by adding dried fruits, such as apricots or raisins, to the cake mixture for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions.
- Sweetening alternative: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar by 20% or use a natural sweetener such as honey or agave syrup.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace the oil with butter?
This recipe is designed to be vegan, but you can replace the oil with melted butter if you are not following a vegan diet.

2. How do I know if the cake is baked?
The toothpick test is the best method. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done.

3. Can it be made in advance?
Yes, it is a cake that keeps well, so you can prepare it a day before serving.

4. What other desserts can I try?
If you like this dessert, you can also try recipes for coconut cookies or vegan chocolate cake.

Nutritional information (per serving):

- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 2g

Coconut cake is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, perfect for any special occasion. Whether you serve it at a family meal, a picnic, or simply to treat yourself, it is a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!